How to Reach Your Full Potential

In a survey for my book, 92% of working adults said they were capable of more than they were doing. That number has stayed with me, because it means almost everyone already knows. The question is rarely whether you have more in you. It is what you will do about it.

This article is a practical starting point. For the bigger picture, read Human Potential: A Complete Guide.

Own where you are

Every meaningful change begins with an honest assessment of what is. Not where you wish you were, and not who is to blame. Ownership is not about guilt. It is about getting the steering wheel back. If you own your problems, you can also own your solutions. See How to Bet on Yourself.

Picture who you want to become

Potential needs a direction. Write down who you want to be in three years: at work, at home, in your health and in your relationships. Be specific. A clear picture gives your daily choices something to line up with. See How to Become the Best Version of Yourself.

Spend your time on purpose

Time is your edge, not because you have more of it, but because of how you choose to use it. Look at where your hours actually go and protect a little of it, even thirty minutes a day, for the person you are becoming. See You Do Not Need More Time.

Act before you feel ready

Confidence is not usually something you find before action. It is something you develop because of action. If you wait to feel ready, you will wait a long time. Take a step that feels slightly too big, and let the confidence catch up. See How to Build Confidence at Work.

Stay consistent

The life you are building is shaped by what you do consistently, day after day. Small and dated beats large and someday. I wrote my book in whatever downtime I could find, and none of those sessions felt big while they were happening. See How to Build Self-Discipline.

Seek honest feedback

Other people can often see your potential, and your blind spots, more clearly than you can. Ask people you trust what they see in you and what is holding you back. Listen without defending. See How to Keep a Lessons Log.

Use your setbacks

Every challenge builds resilience, confidence and capacity you did not know you had. When something goes wrong, ask what it taught you and what you will do differently. Then keep going. See How to Recommit to Your Goals.

Choose your circle

Success is built by how intentionally you live, how you show up for others and who you choose to spend your time with. Spend more time with people who are growing, and with people who have already done what you want to do.

This is the heart of my signature keynote, You Are Capable of More. Start with one step from this list, put a date on it and use Remind, Reflect, Decide, Act to make it stick.